The SUPREME is a fitting name for a Lotus bicycle of this quality, it was the top-of-the-line conventional frame racing bicycle in the early 1980's Lotus fleet, sharing the spotlight with the Super Pro Aero.

The early Supreme models were constructed from Tange Champion tubing and by 1983 the Supreme was built using Columbus SL tubing for 50-58 cm frames and SP for 60-64 cm.  All the early model Supreme frames were hand-brazed in Japan by Tsunoda.

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The collection of photos on the right shows the different fork crowns through the evolution of the  Supreme.

1980-82 models were made from Tange Champion tubing and had LOTUS engraved on the fork crown and chrome head lugs with diamond cut-outs.

1983 models used Columbus tubing and had a plain chrome fork crown, some models did not have diamond cut-outs on the chrome head lugs.

The 1984 Campagnolo Supreme also used Columbus tubing and returned to the engraved fork crown with a lotus flower and LOTUS lettering.  The diamond cut-outs on the chrome head lugs returned.

1983-84 fork crowns featured an attractive triangular cut-out on the side of the fork blade.  Also note in the photo below, the brazed-on fork stiffener on the inside of the fork blades. 

The detail photos of the 1984 Supreme bare frame on the right were submitted by James B. from Californina, the Violet paint is a circa 1983-84 color.  James mentions that while the frame itself has remnants of Columbus tubing decals, the fork steerer is stamped TANGE.  This leads to the possibility that the entire fork assembly was made by Tange using Columbus fork blades, as Tange frequently supplied complete forks to frame manufacturers, like Tsunoda. Serial #:         DS1583- Top Tube:      58cm Seat Tube:      61cm c-c Rear Spacing: 127mm Chainstays:     42cm to rear position BB shell:         68mm Rake:             45mm Seat Angle:     72º head angle:     73º

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The scan below is from the 1981 Lotus catalog.  The Supreme is shown in Lotus Pink with a grey Primus pump, brown suede Kashimax Super-Pro saddle and stitched leather bar wrap.  Note the lotus flower fork decals and Tange Champion seat tube decal.  The Supreme, Competition and Super Pro are the only three first-generation models to use the vertical LOTUS decal on the seat tube.  This would eventually carry over into later generations.

Shown below is a 1983 Lotus Supreme in Violet, now featuring Columbus tubing. Note the original suede Kashimax Super-Pro saddle.  1983 Supreme models also came with laced-on leather bar wrap.  As is common with all the Lotus racing bicycles, the original tubular rims have been replaced with clinchers on this particular bicycle.

The 1984 Campagnolo Supreme shown below is a very original example of the model.  1984 Supreme frames can be identified by their Campagnolo rear dropouts.  It was common practice at the time to match the dropout with the derailleur manufacturer. The derailleur cable routing also moved to the top of the bottom bracket, earlier models featured under-the-bottom-bracket routing. The 1984 Supreme now used a Kashimax Aero leather saddle and Campagnolo Super Record component gruppo, other parts were made by Japanese manufacturers, possibly in order to offer a Campagnolo equipped bicycle at a competitive price.  The 1984 Supreme rode on Araya tubular rims, earlier models were Ukai.  

1980-82 Lotus Supreme 1983 Lotus Supreme
Frame Details	Diamond bridge lugs, top tube cable guides, under the bottom bracket cable guides, brazed on bottle bosses, brazed on shifter bosses, brazed on front derailleur boss, extra long spoon seat stays at seat lug, 1/2 chrome chain stay, recessed brake bolts, chrome head lugs with diamond cut outs.
Frame Tubing	1980-82: Tange Champion Double Butted Cro-Mo 50-56 #1, 58-60 #2 1983: Columbus Double Butted Cro-Mo 50-56 SL, 58-64 SP	Headset	Shimano Dura Ace EX
Fork	1980-82:Tange Champion, Forged and Engraved Crome Crown, Fork Stiffeners 1983: Columbus, Forged Chrome Crown, Stiffeners	Handlebar	1980-82: SR World Custom w/ Laced on Leather Wrap 1983: SR World Champion w/ Laced on Leather Wrap
Colors	1980-82: Navy and Lotus Pink 1983: Violet	Stem	Dura Ace EX or SR Extra Super Light
Frame Sizes	1980-82: 50-60 cm 1983: 50-64 cm	Brakes	Shimano Dura Ace EX
Crank	Shimano Dura Ace EX Dyna Drive 42-52	Seatpost	Shimano Dura Ace EX
Pedals	Shimano Dura Ace EX DD w/ Clips and Straps	Saddle	Kashimax Super-Pro, suede
Shift Levers	Shimano Dura Ace EX on Down Tube	Rims	Ukai Tubular
Front Derailleur	Shimano Dura Ace EX	Hubs	Shimano Dura Ace EX
Rear Derailleur	Shimano Dura Ace EX	Spokes
Freewheel	Shimano Dura Ace EX 6-Speed 13-21 Gold	Tires	Soyo 240g Sew-Up
Chain	Shimano Dura Ace EX Uniglide Gold/Black	Weight	1980-82: 21 lbs 1983: 19.5 lbs
Notes

1984 Lotus Supreme
Frame Details	Diamond bridge lugs, top tube cable guides, above the bottom bracket cable guides, brazed on bottle bosses, brazed on shifter bosses, brazed on front derailleur boss, extra long spoon seat stays at seat lug, 1/2 chrome chain stay, recessed brake bolts, chrome head lugs with diamond cut outs, Campagnolo forged rear dropouts.
Frame Tubing	Columbus Double Butted Cro-Mo,  SL on 50-58 cm, SP on 60-64 cm	Headset	Campagnolo Super Record
Fork	Columbus Tubing, Forged Crown w/ Cut-Outs and LOTUS engraving, Reinforced	Handlebar	SR
Colors	Violet	Stem	SR
Frame Sizes	50-64 cm	Brakes	Campagnolo Super Recordt
Crank	Campagnolo Super Record 42-52	Seatpost	Campagnolo Super Record
Pedals	Campagnolo Superleggeri	Saddle	Kashimax Aero
Shift Levers	Campagnolo Super Record	Rims	Araya (?) Tubular
Front Derailleur	Campagnolo Super Record	Hubs	Campagnolo Record
Rear Derailleur	Campagnolo Super Record	Spokes
Freewheel	Suntour	Tires	Tubular
Chain	Suntour	Weight
Notes	Specifications observed on multiple bicycles with the same equipment.